A Magical First Visit to London
Despite travelling to London bi-annually for almost a decade, it never fails to leave a lasting impression on me. The history, the energy and the people — how similar they are to us Aussies. In fact, I would give anything to experience this city again for the first time, through fresh eyes.
Sure, AI can tell you where to go in London, but only someone who knows the city well can tell you how to have the most magical first trip.
The Best Time to Visit London
Most people visit London during the summer between June and August. While the extra hours of daylight are great for drinking Pimm’s in Hyde Park, London in the summer can be stiflingly hot and more expensive than other times of the year.
Classic British red telephone box in London. Image: Supplied.
In my opinion, the best time to visit London is in spring or early autumn. I love travelling to London during the spring as flowers all over the city are blooming and there is a sense of optimism in the air after a long winter. You can also get a better deal on accommodation, as nightly rates are generally cheaper in March and April compared to the second half of the year.
Where to Stay in London
For first-time visitors, my advice is to stay in the charming neighbourhood of Marylebone.
Exploring the amazing Marylebone Village! Image: Supplied.
Marylebone is the perfect location for those who want to base themselves in central London but don’t want to feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of a big city. The very first time I visited London, I stayed in Marylebone and what struck me was how much it resembled the London you see in the movies. Imagine cobbled streets, Victorian terraced houses and a plethora of quaint cafés, bookshops and boutiques.
If you want to feel that movie magic from the moment you step off the plane, this is the area for you.
The Welbeck Hotel
I’ve stayed at most of the hotels in Marylebone; however, there is one that I keep returning to.
I keep returning to The Welbeck Hotel for my London trip. Image: Supplied.
The Welbeck is a newly renovated hotel right in the heart of London with stylishly decorated rooms, a free minibar and the option of daily buffet breakfast. They also collaborate with the famous Daunt Books to offer guests chic London guides in every room. The best bit? The Welbeck Hotel boasts some of the most competitive nightly rates in the area and is also walking distance to many of London’s main attractions.
What to Do in London
My favourite way to explore London is by foot. It’s also a great way for first-time visitors to get a feel for the city without getting overwhelmed by public transport. During my recent London trip we walked from The Welbeck Hotel to Oxford Circus, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, Hyde Park and even Buckingham Palace.
You can easily do day trips to other areas of London by taking The London Underground (The Tube) from Bond Street Station. For example, take the Jubilee line to Waterloo station to see The London Eye and Big Ben — do it first thing in the morning to beat the crowds!
Take an Uber Boat (yes that’s a thing) from London Eye (Waterloo) Pier to Borough Market via the River Thames. This is a fun and unique way to see London for the first time!
Where to Eat and Drink in London
If you’ve been researching where to eat in London, chances are you’ve read about Borough Market.
Paige at Borough Market. Image: Supplied.
This historic food market is a must-see for foodies visiting London. However, it gets so packed that you can end up spending all your time standing in queues or accidently shoulder-barging people instead of actually enjoying the experience. My advice is to go between Tuesday and Thursday at around 11am just after the market opens. This gives you enough time to wander around and see what takes your fancy. My favourite lunch spot is The Black Pig, followed by a Crème Brûlée donut from Bread Ahead.
If you are staying in Marylebone, you might also want to check out restaurants Nina and Lita, although bookings are essential. The Ivy and Granger & Co (both have multiple locations around London) are also great last-minute restaurant options if you don’t have a reservation.
One of my favourite things to do after a long day of exploring the city is to make a hotel bed picnic. Grab a selection of foods from the local delis, including Ottolenghi, a British institution, and top it off with the free drinks from the minibar. Of course, you can have a picnic in the park, but I like to enjoy my spoils on the hotel bed, in a robe while watching a bit of British telly — I’ve found that the magic is as much in these small moments as it is in witnessing the grandest of monuments.
Feature Image: Supplied.
